Climbing Wall

Our wall is approximately 30 ft. tall with numerous top rope and lead climbing options and dozens of routes of varying difficulty. Each route is marked by different color tape to resemble outdoor routes and offer more of a challenge. Each route is rated on the Yosemite Decimal System; our routes range from 5.7 (Beginner) to 5.12 (Expert). We also have several bouldering problems. Boulder problems are approximately 10 ft high and require no rope, however, are usually more difficult.

Click here for information about our Climbing Competitions and how you can win cool trips and prizes!

Check Out Our New Belay Ledge!! The Mort Harris Recreation and Fitness Center has added a belay ledge to the climbing wall to increase the opportunities for adventure. The belay ledge is at 22 feet and can accommodate three anchored climbers comfortably. With this new feature, climbers will be able to practice porta-ledge skills, belaying the second, cleaning the route, and engage in a true rappel of the wall. Climbers will be able to enroll in skills clinics to learn all of the skills required for each function.

The climbing wall is staffed from  4 p.m. to close Monday through Friday. Belay service, instruction and certification are all offered during climbing wall hours of operation.  Partner climbing during nonstaffed hours is permitted by those patrons who have passed the belay check test administered by Campus Recreation staff. All climbing during non-operating hours must be done with a belay partner.  The Campus Recreation staff does not provide any belay services before the climbing wall opens.  All climbers must pass a Belay Check before climbing at any time (Upon successful completion, information will be stored for future reference and must be readministered yearly). Solo Bouldering is NOT permitted at any time. You are allowed to boulder with a partner and may climb to the height of the spotter’s shoulders. Failure to follow this policy will result in climbing privileges taken away.   All climbing wall/bouldering participants must sign the wall specific climbing waiver, which will be kept on file for one year. Individuals who are not Wayne State students, faculty/staff who have purchased climbing wall only passes do not have guest privileges at the MHRFC. Guest privileges are reserved for WSU students, faculty/staff and MHRFC full building members only.

To use the climbing wall, please pay the front desk attendant and show the receipt to the climbing wall staff.

Fees